This biosphere reserve encompasses a rich mosaic of ecological systems associated with the erosion deposit sand spit formations in the Laurentian Great Lakes, as well as some of the largest remaining forest tracts in ‘Carolinian Canada’. The variety of habitats supports a rich flora and fauna, including a waterfowl staging area and migration stop-over area for land birds with a continental importance. This has been recognized by its designation as a Ramsar site and as a globally significant Important Bird Area by BirdLife International. Long Point Bird Observatory and visiting bird watchers are estimated to contribute about 1.5 Canadian dollars annually to the local economy (2001). Established in 1960, it is the oldest continuously operated bird observatory in North America.Long Point Biosphere Reserve has about 500 permanent residents and at least 3,000 seasonal ones (2001). Human interventions range from coastal wetlands management with restricted access through to intensive cottage and recreation development in the Long Point complex and Inner Bay area of the biosphere reserve. On the mainland, they range from forest management and restoration to conversion of lands into intensive agriculture.A non-profit charitable organization known as the Long Point World Biosphere Reserve Foundation raises its own funds. Given the cross-affiliation of people in the Foundation with some governmental and non-governmental organizations, Long Point Biosphere Reserve has become accepted by the local community and ensures communication and cooperation.

Major ecosystem type

Temperate and sub-polar broadleaf forests or woodlands including lake system

Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment Canada; Long Point Company; a mix of private and public ownerships, notably the Big Creek National Wildlife Area

Brief description

Application of global climate models to depict possible climate change and its effectsReview of instrumental climate records from the Long Point area as part of a comparative study of recent trends in biosphere reserves in CanadaDynamics of longshore transportation of sediments and on-shore movements of these sediments into foredunes and other dune areasConceptual framework to apply environmental stress-response analyses for the Long Point barrier system, and the implications for policy and management actionsAssessment of high-resolution remotely sensed imagery for wetland mapping and monitoring for management purposesGeomorphological processes at Long Point and implications for flooding and restoration measures in the more vulnerable portion of the cottage development areaWater quality sampling in Long Point Bay for major ions, nutrients, metals, and organochlorine pesticidesAnalysis of sediment and associated pollutants entering Long Point Bay from the Big Creek watershedLimnology in relation to aquatic plants consumed by waterfowlInfluences of the introduced zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) and quagga mussel (D. bugensis) on the abundance of aquatic macroinvertebrates and as a food source for waterfowlAnalysis of snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) eggs for toxic contaminants (polychlorinated biphenyls, furans, dioxins) and evidence of abnormal development (under the terms of the Canada-US Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement (GLWQA))Population biology of Fowler's toads (Bufo [woodhousei] fowleri) and of softshelled turtles (Apalone spinifera)Marsh monitoring for calling amphibians and breeding birds (program administered by BSC and incorporated into binational basin-wide monitoring under the GLWQA)Population trends in migratory landbirds and factors associated with observed fluctuationsLong-term monitoring of the recovery of vegetation and breeding bird populations on Long Point following major reductions in the deer herd in 1989 and 1990Habitat requirements of forest-interior birds and the implications for forest managementForest inventories and restoration using native speciesPopulation dynamics of tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) and of hooded warblers (Wilsonia citrina) Habitat use, diet and migratory movements of tundra swans (Cygnus columbianus) and possible ecological effects of swan populations on other waterfowlEcology of deer tick (Ixodeo sp.) and the transmission of Lyme diseaseSurveys of road-killed animalsCounts of salamanders in the SI/MAB plotsDocumentation of historical changes in land cover/useComparison of different methods of buffer maintenance along agricultural drains for erosion control, enhancement of wildlife habitat, and costsInterests and concerns of non-governmental groups Pilot project for reforestation linked to "carbon credits" for emissions trading under the Kyoto protocolEconomic base study, every five yearsAnnual compilation of key demographic, economic, agricultural and environmental indicators frequently sought by area councils and residents or general publicUpdates of residential, commercial and industrial activity in terms of demands or effects on water and sewage services